Amish baked goods are known for their incredible taste, and it’s no accident. Generations of Amish bakers have perfected their techniques, relying on simple, natural ingredients and a lot of patience. If you want to take your baking skills to the next level, look no further. Here are some classic tips straight from Amish kitchens that will help you create mouthwatering treats.
Natural Leavening
Amish bakers use natural leavening agents like sourdough starters instead of commercial yeast, enhancing flavor and digestibility.
From-Scratch Ingredients
Everything is made from scratch with simple, wholesome ingredients, avoiding preservatives and artificial additives.
Wood-Fired Ovens
Traditional wood-fired ovens are used, which distribute heat evenly and can impart a slightly smoky flavor.
Seasonal and Local Ingredients
Utilizing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients supports the local economy, ensures freshness, and preserves flavor.
Hand Mixing and Shaping
Doughs are hand-mixed and shaped, allowing bakers to add a personal touch and affect texture.
Slow Baking Processes
Recipes often require slow baking, which allows flavors to fully develop and breads to achieve the perfect crust and crumb.
Old-World Recipes
Many traditional recipes date back hundreds of years, preserving heritage and cherished family traditions.
Use of Lard
Lard is used instead of butter or oil in many recipes, enhancing the flakiness of pastries and pies and adding depth to flavors.
Minimalist Techniques
Techniques reflect Amish values of simplicity and humility, believed to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Community Baking Days
Baking is a community activity where knowledge and techniques are shared, maintaining product quality and consistency while reinforcing community connections.
9 Amish Kitchen Secrets Every Home Cook Needs to Know
Amish cooking might seem far removed from modern techniques, yet it holds timeless wisdom that can transform your approach to food. Emphasizing simplicity and tradition, these practices foster a deep connection to the community and the joy of preparing meals together. The Amish way of cooking highlights the beauty in straightforward methods and the profound impact of keeping traditions alive. Here’s what you can do to incorporate some of their secrets into your kitchen.
Read it Here: 9 Amish Kitchen Secrets Every Home Cook Needs to Know
I Live In Amish Country and These Are Their Best Foods, Hands Down
Moving to Amish country last year felt like stepping into a whole new world, nestled in the peaceful heart of rural serenity. Our Amish neighbors, with their unmatched hospitality, didn’t just help us set up our new home and barn; they welcomed us into their world through the most amazing way possible – their food.
From the first bite of garden-fresh produce to the home-cooked meals that tasted like love on a plate, we realized that the simplicity and community spirit of Amish life are deeply intertwined with their culinary traditions. These are just some of the foods I’ve gotten to taste in the last year or so and the best ones their culture has to offer.
Read it Here: I Live In Amish Country and These Are Their Best Foods, Hands Down
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Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
